More than 500 guests filled The Garden City Hotel on Thursday, May 8 for Eat.Bid.Laugh!, Sid Jacobson JCC’s signature fundraiser, generating over $1.5 million—surpassing the event’s goal—to support life-changing programs that address the community’s most pressing needs.
Proceeds from the sold-out evening benefited essential services that touch the lives of countless individuals and families across Long Island, including Camp Kehilla, SJJCC’s dedicated summer camp for neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults ages 5-21.
“Eat.Bid.Laugh! represents the very best of who we are—people coming together to uplift others,” said Dina Shuster, Deputy Executive Director at Sid Jacobson JCC. “Because of our community’s generosity, we are able to provide a wide breadth of social services that meet real needs and help families and individuals thrive.”
One of those individuals is Evan Golden, a former Camp Kehilla participant whose story brought the audience to its feet and inspired significant donations toward Camp Kehilla scholarships, helping ease the financial burden for families and opening the door for more neurodivergent youth to experience the life-changing summers Kehilla makes possible.
“Sid Jacobson JCC is home for me,” Evan said. “Living with autism isn’t easy. People look at you differently and treat you like you don’t belong. But the JCC has always been there for me. It’s the one place where I feel safe, where I can be myself, and fit in just like everybody else.”
Guests were treated to tastings from more than 20 of Long Island’s premier restaurants, accompanied by a dynamic silent auction showcasing luxury travel packages, exclusive experiences, designer fashion, concert tickets, sporting events, and more. The night culminated in a hilarious performance by Emmy and Tony Award-winning comedian Alex Edelman, bringing the celebration to a memorable close.
“This is the night that brings in the support we need to give the community what it’s looking for,” shared Joelle Dellis, first-time event committee co-chair. “People don’t always realize just how many vital programs Sid Jacobson JCC offers. This event helps us grow, expand, and respond to the evolving needs of those we serve. I’m proud to give back to a place that’s given so much to my family over the past 10 years.”
The success of Eat.Bid.Laugh! was made possible through the generosity of sponsors and donors, the steadfast dedication of committee members and chairs, and the unwavering commitment of a community that continues to champion SJJCC’s mission.
“This is the biggest fundraising event of the year for Sid Jacobson JCC, and [Eat.Bid.Laugh!] makes everything we do possible,” noted Lloyd Rosenman, Eat.Bid.Laugh! committee co-chair. “From securing hundreds of thousands of dollars in sponsorships to partnering with renowned restaurants and curating exceptional auction items, the entire committee works tirelessly to ensure this night is a success. It feels good to do good.”
As the agency looks ahead, Eat.Bid.Laugh! remains more than just a fundraiser—it is an enduring promise that giving, when rooted in connection and purpose, transforms lives.
About Sid Jacobson JCC
Sid Jacobson JCC (sjjcc.org) in East Hills provides a full range of cutting-edge recreational, health, fitness, educational, cultural arts, and social service programs. SJJCC promotes Jewish identity and provides a comprehensive program based on Jewish values, traditions, heritage, and culture, and is committed to enriching the lives of all individuals and families in its community. Where life flourishes.
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Sid Jacobson JCC is a beneficiary agency of the UJA Federation of New York.